Where to See Capybaras in Australia: Ultimate Guide

(Last Updated October, 2024)

Have you ever dreamed of meeting a capybara up close? These adorable, oversized rodents from South America have captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide. While they're not native to Australia, several zoos and wildlife parks across the country offer exciting opportunities to see and interact with these charming creatures. In this guide, we’ll explore five fantastic locations where you can enjoy unforgettable capybara encounters in Australia.

Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

In 2019, Taronga Zoo welcomed its first capybara residents, adding these charismatic South American natives to their diverse collection of over 2,600 animals. The capybara habitat, home to five brothers named Pedro, Guillermo, Sanchez, Carlos, and Rodney, has been thoughtfully designed to mimic their natural environment. With open grassed areas for grazing, large trees for shade, and a spacious water feature for swimming and soaking, these semi-aquatic mammals have quickly adapted to their new Australian home

Daily Encounter:

Every day at 11:10 AM, visitors can participate in a special capybara encounter. This experience allows you to meet and feed the zoo's Capybara Troop, consisting of four charismatic individuals: Pedro, Guillermo, Carlos, and Rodney.

Price:

The general admission to Taronga Zoo is $79 per person, which includes access to the capybara exhibit. However, the special feeding encounter may have an additional cost, so it's best to check with the zoo directly.

Why Visit:

Taronga Zoo offers a unique opportunity to interact with capybaras while enjoying stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education makes it an excellent choice for animal lovers of all ages.

Taronga Zoo Sydney Capybara Encounter. Video Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Sydney Zoo, Eastern Creek, NSW

The zoo's capybara exhibit is home to seven charming individuals: Salvador, Santiago, Sandro, Pedro, Guillermo, Carlos, and Rodney. Each capybara has its own unique personality, making every visit a new adventure. The exhibit is designed to showcase the capybaras' natural behaviors, including their love for swimming and socializing.

Capybara Experience:

Guests can hand-feed a capybara and pose for a photo during this new encounter. It's a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

Meet the Capybaras:

Sydney Zoo is home to seven capybaras: Salvador, Santiago, Sandro, Pedro, Guillermo, Carlos, and Rodney. Each has its own unique personality, making every visit a new adventure.

Price:

The capybara encounter at Sydney Zoo costs $99.99 per person.

Why Visit:

Sydney Zoo offers a modern and immersive zoo experience, with a strong focus on animal welfare and conservation. The capybara encounter is just one of many exciting animal experiences available at this innovative facility.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast, QLD

For those visiting Queensland's beautiful Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers an unforgettable capybara experience.

Nestled in the lush Gold Coast hinterland, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been a beloved attraction since 1947. While primarily focused on Australian wildlife, the sanctuary has expanded its offerings to include unique experiences with animals from around the world, including capybaras. The capybara exhibit at Currumbin is designed to replicate the animals' natural habitat, complete with grassy areas for grazing and a pool for swimming. These social creatures can often be seen lounging together or taking refreshing dips, showcasing their semi-aquatic nature.

Capybara Encounter:

Visitors have the rare opportunity to enter the capybaras' enclosure, get up close to these fascinating animals, and help feed them. This hands-on experience is perfect for those who want a more intimate interaction with capybaras.

Price:

The capybara encounter at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is priced at $99 per person.

Why Visit:

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its commitment to Australian wildlife conservation. The capybara encounter offers a unique contrast to the native animals, providing visitors with a diverse and educational experience.

Image Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Gorge Wildlife Park, Cudlee Creek, SA

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Gorge Wildlife Park offers a more intimate setting for animal encounters, including capybaras.

Tucked away in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, Gorge Wildlife Park offers a more intimate setting for animal encounters. This family-owned park has been delighting visitors since 1965 with its diverse collection of native and exotic animals, including a group of friendly capybaras. The capybara enclosure at Gorge Wildlife Park is designed to allow visitors to observe these social rodents in a natural-like setting. The park's smaller size and hands-on approach provide a more personal experience compared to larger zoos.

Capybara Experience:

Guests can enjoy a 15-minute encounter where they feed the capybaras their favorite snacks. This personal experience allows visitors to observe the capybaras up close and learn about their behaviors and preferences.

Price:

The capybara encounter at Gorge Wildlife Park is priced at $40 per person.

Why Visit:

Gorge Wildlife Park offers a quieter, more personal experience compared to larger zoos. The park's focus on hands-on encounters makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate animal experience.

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Nulkaba, NSW

Located in the picturesque Hunter Valley wine region, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers a unique capybara encounter.

Situated in the heart of New South Wales' premier wine region, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park combines the beauty of its surroundings with exciting wildlife encounters. This park is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, including a pair of charming capybaras named Dylan and Isabelle.

The capybara exhibit at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is designed to showcase these semi-aquatic mammals in a setting that mimics their natural habitat. Visitors can observe the capybaras grazing, swimming, and interacting with each other throughout the day.

Capybara Experience:

Visitors can interact directly with the park's capybaras under the supervision of a zookeeper. This experience provides an excellent opportunity to learn about capybara behavior and care.

Meet the Capybaras:

The park is home to two capybaras named Dylan and Isabelle.

Image Credit: u/Eamon_The_Dude on Reddit

Price:

The capybara encounter costs $150 per person or $250 for two people.

Why Visit:

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park combines the beauty of the Hunter Valley with exciting animal encounters. The capybara experience is a perfect addition to a day of wine tasting and sightseeing in the region.

Wildlife HQ Zoo, Woombye, Queensland

Nestled in the lush surroundings of the Sunshine Coast, Wildlife HQ Zoo offers a unique and intimate wildlife experience. Located at the iconic Big Pineapple site, this zoo has become a hidden gem among Queensland's animal attractions since its establishment in 2014.

Capybara Experience:

Visitors can book a capybara encounter, allowing for an up-close interaction with these charming South American natives. During the encounter, guests can feed and pet the capybaras under the supervision of experienced keepers.

Price:

The capybara encounter at Wildlife HQ Zoo costs $100 per person, making it one of the more premium experiences available.

Address:

76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye QLD 4559, Australia

Contact:

Tel: 0428 660 671,

Email: info@WHQzoo.com

Opening Hours:

Open daily from 9am to 4pm (last entry at 3pm)

Additional Locations to See Capybaras (Without Encounters)

While the locations mentioned above offer hands-on experiences with capybaras, there are a few other places in Australia where you can observe these charming creatures, even if you can't interact with them directly.

Darling Downs Zoo, Queensland

Located in Pilton, Queensland, Darling Downs Zoo is home to a variety of exotic animals, including capybaras.

Capybara Viewing:

While the zoo doesn't offer official "capybara encounters," visitors have reported being able to see and sometimes even touch the capybaras during their visit

Address:

21 Baines Rd, Pilton Queensland 4361, Australia

Contact:

Tel: 07 4696 4107

Why Visit:

Darling Downs Zoo offers a more relaxed viewing experience, allowing you to observe capybaras in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitat. It's an excellent option for those who prefer a less structured, more spontaneous animal-watching experience.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for an up-close encounter or prefer to observe these gentle creatures from a distance, Australia offers a range of options for capybara enthusiasts. From hands-on experiences at Taronga Zoo and Sydney Zoo to more relaxed viewing at Darling Downs Zoo, there's something for every type of animal lover. Remember to check the websites or contact the zoos directly for the most up-to-date information on their capybara exhibits and any potential viewing opportunities. Even without direct encounters, seeing these charming South American natives in Australia is sure to be a memorable experience!

P.S. If anything in this article is out of date, please email us at info@capycool.co, and we'll update it faster than a capybara can dive into a pool!